EWRT 200February 19th 2015

Agenda

Group DiscussionSearching for Sugar Man Discussion

QuestionsGroup work: lyrics

Lyric analysisIntroduction to In-class essay

Model theses statementsHomework

GET INTO GROUPS OF THREE AND SHARE YOUR ANSWERS TO THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.

IN TEN MINUTES WE WILL DISCUSS THEM TOGETHER.

Discussion Questions1. What were your initial reactions to this film?

2. Did this film change your view of musicians, of poets or philosophers?

3. Why do you think Rodriguez didn’t “make it” in the early 70’s? Why was no one interested in listening to him?

4. How much should music companies (music labels and/or media players) be allowed to profit from their musicians?

5. What do you think prompted Rodriguez to wear a tuxedo on the construction sites where he worked?

Discussion Questions6. What does it mean to be an artist, a true poetic and philosophical artist, in today’s world? 7. Why was Rodriguez so insistent on taking his daughters to cultural institutions, museums, and rooftops despite his social position as a blue-collar worker? 8. Perhaps we view Rodriguez’s social position as poor and sad, but could his position be the very thing that gave birth to his captivating and poetic lyrics? 9. Is there a difference between music that is created for pleasure or love, and music that is produced to sell? 10. Do you think Rodriguez’s story would have played out differently ifhe’d been born to non-Latino parents, or if he’d been given a non-Latino name?

Get back into your groups; figure out the meaning of the lyrics to “This Is Not A Song It's An Outburst: Or The Establishment Blues.”

In ten minutes we will discuss the Lyrics together.

THIS IS NOT A SONG IT'S AN OUTBURST: OR THE ESTABLISHMENT BLUES

• The mayor hides the crime ratecouncil woman hesitates Public gets irate but forget the vote date Weatherman complaining, predicted sun, it's raining Everyone's protesting, boyfriend keeps suggesting you're not like all of the rest

• Garbage ain't collected, women ain't protectedPoliticians using, people they're abusingThe mafia's getting bigger, like pollution in the riverAnd you tell me that this is where it's at

•Woke up this morning with an ache in my headI splashed on my clothes as I spilled out of bed I opened the window to listen to the news But all I heard was the Establishment's Blues.

•Gun sales are soaring, housewives find life boringDivorce the only answer smoking causes cancerThis system's gonna fall soon, to an angry young tune And that's a concrete cold fact

•The pope digs population, freedom from taxationTeeny Bops are uptight, drinking at a stoplightMiniskirt is flirting I can't stop so I'm hurtingSpinster sells her hopeless chest

•Adultery plays the kitchen, bigot cops non-fictionThe little man gets shafted, sons and monies draftedLiving by a time piece, new war in the Far EastCan you pass the Rorschach test?

•It's a hassle it's an educated guess.Well, frankly I couldn't care less.

Essay 4: In-class essayThursday, February 26th.

You need one of these! Buy it at the bookstore

Introduction to essay #4

• Using the documentary and a song from his album Cold Fact, explain one significant element of Rodriguez’s journey. Consider his talent and power, the forces against him, his identity and isolation, or his success as an undiscovered hero for others. In other words, what did this film show you about Rodriguez? About the possibilities in life? About the world?

A. Introduction Paragraph:

1. HOOK 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION/FILM SUMMARY about

Rodriguez. You might include album and documentary titles or a brief reference to historical time period and political backdrop of America and South Africa depending on your thesis statement.

3. THESIS: A one or two sentence claim that reflects your thinking; the thesis is the heart of your essay—central to all your writing. The thesis is presented at the end of your introduction paragraph. Look at the sample thesis handout for inspiration.

B. PIE Paragraphs (2)

1. Point: first sentence in the paragraph, which connects directly back to your thesis and makes one point that the entire paragraph will focus on.

2. Information: specific and detailed examples from the film. At least one quotation per paragraph from the song lyrics.

3. Explanation: explain how and why the quote supports your point and thesis. Explain your ideas and feelings about the quote. Look at details and explain why they are significant to you and your thesis. You can also connect your own life experiences to the quote, but remember to also connect it back to the point and thesis.

C. Conclusion Paragraph:

1. Very Briefly (no more than three sentences) summarize the key points of your argument—what you want your audience to remember most about your essay. Then, as a reverse hook, look at the larger scope implications of your essay. Ask yourself “so what?” about your thesis, and situate your argument into greater connections to society or your life. The very last sentence in your essay (like the first one) should have emotional impact.

THE IN-CLASS ESSAY IS ON THURSDAY 2/26/15. PLEASE BUY A BLUE BOOK AT THE BOOKSTORE; YOU WILL WRITE YOUR ESSAY DURING CLASS IN THE BLUE BOOK.

THE IN-CLASS ESSAY CANNOT BE REVISED AND MUST BE INCLUDED IN THE FINAL PORTFOLIO

DURING THE IN-CLASS ESSAY, YOU CAN USE AN OUTLINE, YOUR DISCUSSION QUESTION NOTES, AND A DICTIONARY, BUT YOU MUST WRITE THE ESSAY DURING THE 2 HOURS OF CLASS TIME.

MODEL THESIS STATEMENTS

1. Rodriguez was “too political” for mainstream popular music in America, which is why he was popular in South Africa as the voice of the outraged and silenced “banned” youth culture.

2. Rodriguez was a “prophet” ahead of his time, which is why he wasn’t a commercial success.

3. Rodriguez’s last name is a metaphor for the discrimination he faced in America that prevented his success.

4. Rodriguez’s journey in Searching for Sugar Man shows that his “failures” were actually his “success” and that everything that happened to him was part of his destiny.

5. One of the major themes in Searching for Sugar Man is rebirth. Rodriguez is a phoenix who rises from his ashes and therefore teaches others to do the same

6.The image of Rodriguez on a milk carton is a metaphor for his whole career: lost, discovered, and ultimately found. Like milk, his music does the body good.

7.When Rodriquez says “thanks for keeping me alive” the first time he performs in South Africa, he speaks to the spirit that his music kept alive for a world that he didn’t even know.

8.The theme of drugs in the album Cold Fact are a commentary on both the destruction and the desire to escape that same corruption in both America and South Africa in the 1970s.

9. Rodriguez’s album Cold Fact tells his personal truths, which are actually universal truths for many. His story inspires everyone to use their voice because you don’t know who is listening and needs to hear what you say.

10. Rodriguez was a voice for people who didn’t have a voice because he understood the experience of being silenced.

11. Rodriguez’s career doing manual labor is a symbol for his determination and humble nature.

12. Rodriguez’s song “Establishment Blues” shows the tone of anger and images of corruption that he’s commenting on in American society, which are still relevant today, 42 years later.

13. Because Rodriguez grew up poor, he’s humble and generous and resourceful.

14. Rodriguez’s talent is undeniable, but the combination of his shy, humble nature and Mexican last name contributed to him not being a successful rock star in America.

15. The main themes in Rodriguez’s album “Cold Fact” are love, loss, truth and hope, which reflect his journey in life.

Homework

Write a brief summary of the movie

Pick a thesis or two that might work for you; think about how you might revise it to fit your thoughts

Buy a Blue Book